Houston Gun Range Robbery: Man Shoots Suspect After Being Followed Home
A man shot a would-be robber in the chin Tuesday after being followed home from a west Houston gun range, police said, prompting a local firearms dealer to warn customers about a recent surge in “follow-home” robberies targeting gun buyers.
The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the Gulfton neighborhood after the victim was trailed from Top Gun Range, according to the Houston Police Department. Investigators initially believed three individuals were involved in the attempted robbery, but now state only two suspects were present. One suspect is in custody, while the other remains at large.
James Hillin, owner of Full Armor Firearms, a Class 3 custom firearms dealer in Houston, said he has heard of similar incidents happening to his customers and patrons of other area gun shops. “The bad guy was hiding in his car somewhere watching, and he’s watching for somebody to come out and then carrying a bag, and then when they proceed to their car, he would follow them out,” Hillin explained. He added that the frequency of these robberies has been increasing.
Eugene Kim, a manager at Top Gun Range, echoed Hillin’s concerns, stating the situation “is getting much worse recently. It’s been a steady incline, and then it just shot all the way up.” Top Gun Range, located at 5901 Beverly Hill, offers a 15-lane indoor shooting range and a wide selection of firearms for rent, and purchase.
A new Texas law took effect in September criminalizing “jugging” – the practice of following someone home with the intent to rob them. However, Harris County District Attorney’s Office officials have clarified that the statute currently applies only to thefts of money, not other property like firearms.
Hillin advises customers to be vigilant and take precautions if they suspect they are being followed. “Watch your back, pay attention. If somebody’s following you, you know, don’t go straight home. Build a left, make a right. See if they’re still following you,” he said.